How to Properly Dispose of Campervan Grey Water
If you’ve ever travelled in a campervan, you know it’s a game-changer. Having your own kitchen, bathroom, and shower on the road? Pure bliss. Especially when the campsite amenities are far away and it’s a chilly winter morning!
But with that convenience comes a not-so-exciting responsibility: Emptying a campervan’s grey water tank.
Don’t worry, it’s easier than you think. Let’s dive in.
What Is Grey Water?
First things first, let’s break it down. Grey water is the used water from your campervan’s sinks and showers. This water is full of soap, food particles, hair, and other debris that’s gone down the drain.
Grey water is different from black water, which comes from your toilet cassette. Both types of waste need proper disposal.
Why Do You Need to Empty Your Grey Water Tank?
Grey water contains soap residue and pollutants that are harmful to the environment (such as cleaning agents and other detergents). Letting this mixture sit in your tank for too long creates a breeding ground for bacteria (and this is when it starts to smell bad).
The bottom line? Don’t let your grey water overstay its welcome. Regularly emptying your tank is key to keeping your campervan sanitary and odour-free.
For more tips on managing your campervan’s resources (such as water, power, and waste), check out this guide!
How to Dispose of Grey Water
Disposing of grey water is a straightforward process, but make sure you’re checking the rules and local laws to avoid fines or harming the environment. Here’s a more detailed guide to having an eco-friendly road trip!
You’ll find detailed guides to emptying your campervan’s waste systems on the Cruisin’ YouTube channel.
Here’s some things you’ll need to check first:
- Locate the Grey Water Hose: Most campervans have a hose that can be connected to a tap beneath the vehicle. You’ll use this to drain the tank.
- Find Approved Dump Stations: Before emptying your tank, make sure you’re at an approved dump station. Many campsites have dedicated areas for this, and there are apps and websites (like Sanidumps) that can help you locate one.
- Check With The Campsite: Some campsite managers might allow you to use your fresh grey water (e.g., dishwater you just used) to water their grass. But always double-check the rules – some areas prohibit this practice and you may be fined.
Where Can You Dispose of Grey Water?
Never, ever dump grey water in natural waterways like rivers, lakes, or storm drains. It’s harmful to the environment and often illegal. Instead, use designated dump points, which are usually free or come with a small fee.
If you’re travelling in Australia, the Sanidumps website is a handy tool for finding nearby dump stations. Keep it bookmarked!
How Often Should You Empty Your Grey Water?
How often you need to empty your grey water tank depends on a few factors, like the size of your tank, how many people are travelling with you, and how much water you’re using. Generally every second day is a good starting point – and you should refill your freshwater tank just as regularly.
Some of our campervans come with sensors to let you know when the tank is full, but these sensors aren’t always the most reliable. Food scraps and residue can interfere with readings so, to be on the safe side, don’t rely solely on the sensor.
If you want to stretch out the time between emptying your tanks, consider using campsite bathrooms and showers whenever possible. Most campsites also have camp kitchens that are free for use as well. By doing all these little things, you’ll minimise your wastewater and reduce the need to refill your freshwater tank as frequently. Life hack!
Tips to Make Your Life Easier
Let’s be honest—nobody wants to deal with a clogged tank or broken hose.
Follow these quick tips to save yourself a lot of hassle:
- Protect Your Hose: Grey water hoses can crack or break if mishandled. One of the most common accidents happens when hoses aren’t stored properly. To avoid running over the hose with your campervan, make sure you store it securely when not in use.
- Use a Drain Guard: Food scraps are a nightmare for your grey water tank (and they smell). Scrape food into the bin before washing your dishes and use the drain guard to catch any other scraps before they go down the sink.
- Call Us If You Need Help: Accidents happen, and hoses and fittings can wear out over time. Please call the Cruisin’ Roadside Team (you’ll find their number on your keychain) if you encounter any issues with parts whilst on the road.
Plan Ahead for a Smooth Trip
Give yourself peace of mind on the road and plot out some stops to empty your tanks in your itinerary.
It’s also a good idea to spend the last night of your holiday at a campsite with proper dump facilities. Since our campervans must be returned with empty wastewater tanks, this is your best chance to clean out your grey and empty your toilet cassette.
Now You Know How To Empty Your Grey Water Tank!
Emptying your campervan’s grey water tank doesn’t have to be a chore. With a little preparation and regular maintenance, it’s a straightforward process that helps keep your journey clean, safe, and eco-friendly.
So, before you hit the road, take a few minutes to familiarise yourself with the location of dump points and the grey-water disposal laws of the state (or states!) you’re visiting.
A little planning goes a long way in ensuring a stress-free campervan adventure!
Ready to start your trip? Call our friendly reservations team on 1300 664 485 or check out our website to see the campervans we have available at our branches!
